Forensic pathologist pokes holes in Chief Albert Luthuli's post-mortem findings

DESPITE being an internationally acclaimed statesman, Inkosi Albert Luthuli was treated like a commoner in his death, with his post-mortem being conducted hurriedly by a doctor who was inexperienced in conducting a forensic examination and who produced a substandard death report.

- BONGANI HANS

This was revealed by senior KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health’s Dr Sibusiso Johannes Nsele, who reviewed the 1967 post-mortem report conducted by Dr Jakobus Johannes van Zyle.

Nsele, who introduced himself as a senior” forensic pathologist in the province with 18 years in the medical health sector, said the NPA instructed him on December 15, 2020, to help with the evaluation of Luthuli’s post-mortem report compiled in 1967.

Luthuli died at hospital a few hours after being allegedly hit by a goods steam train on the morning of July 21, 1967, at Mvoti River in Groutville, Stanger.

The outcome of Nsele’s review highlighted a lack of professionalism in the work done by three doctors who dealt with Luthuli before and after his death.

“We found a paucity of details on the post-mortem report, injuries were documented only under the heading of chief post-mortem findings, and there was no mention elsewhere in the body of the post-mortem report,” he said.

He said the conclusion of Luthuli’s death was cerebral haemorrhage and brain injuries. He said, according to medical reports, the post-mortem was conducted and concluded approximately 90 minutes after Luthuli was declared dead, and it lacked mention of the possible cause of the injuries.

He said there was also no reconstruction of the scene of the accident.